International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Fascism: the University Commemorates the Victims

Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the world commemorates the millions of people whose lives were destroyed or irreparably affected by the criminal ideology of fascism. This day reminds us of some of the most tragic chapters in world history, crimes against humanity, and the countless victims suffered by the peoples of Europe and the world, including the Ukrainian people.

For Ukraine, remembering these events holds particular significance. Kharkiv, which endured Nazi occupation and widespread destruction during the Second World War, has once again found itself on the front line of the struggle for freedom, human dignity, and the right to a peaceful future. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine once again demonstrates how dangerous contempt for human life, the cult of violence, the propagation of hatred, and attempts to justify aggression through historical myths can be. Karazin University, an integral part of Kharkiv’s history and present, continues to fulfil its mission of preserving historical memory, fostering critical thinking, and educating generations capable of defending democratic values, freedom, and human dignity.

On this September day, together with the international community, we bow our heads in remembrance of all those who became victims of fascism. It is our shared duty to preserve the truth about the tragic events of the past, pass their memory on to future generations, and do everything possible to ensure that crimes against humanity, wars, and ideologies of hatred never happen again.